JP: Lt. Cmdr. V'Len Kel & Fleet Captain Karrod Niac - The Trilldorian Upgrade Bacchanalia - Finale
Karrod Niac
((Near the a small podium, Lumina Coves Ecological Retreat, Lolagi IV))
Karrod had spent some time talking to V’Len’s various guests and, much like the man himself, they represented a fascinating cross section of species, professions, attitudes and backgrounds. Yet all shared one thing…a celebratory sense of pride in V’Len’s accomplishments, in the part they’d played in his career, in the time they’d served together or the ships they’d served aboard, and it all but radiated off them as he moved towards the center of the room from which he intended to conduct the ceremony itself. There would of course be a chance for the whole of the Ronin’s crew to celebrate this moment, to cheer someone who had recently demonstrated their immense capabilities in defusing the incipient disaster in the Ross-580 system…but this moment was for something else. Something a bit smaller and more intimate. A moment to reflect on all that had come before…and to consider all that may still await. He saw the man of the hour detach himself from the crowd and offered him a head tilt, indicating a mildly out of the way spot behind a decorative plant nearby. The two found the pleasantly quiet corner and Karrod offered a smile.
Niac: Quite the crowd you’ve collected for yourself V’Len…I think the resort is going to try to charge us extra. The bar bill alone will shake worlds at this rate.
V’Len looked around the room at the many faces that filled it. By now it seemed the news of the party had spread and there were numerous other members of the Ronin crew, some tourists and even V’Len’s brother Kumel and his friends arrived.
Kel: Maybe we could have a bake sale.
Niac: Before we got started I just wanted to say how proud I was, V’Len. From the very first days aboard the Ronin you’ve always demonstrated exceptional skill…not just professionally, but with your ability to handle the crew, to empathize with the people around you. You have a deft touch…and it has helped build the Ronin into what she is today. Truly…without people like you, like Toryn, like Chief Tucker over there…I couldn’t have done it.
He sighed a bit wistfully.
V’Len was not sure what to say. He had not set out to get to this moment. He wasn’t someone who dreamed of being a starship captain. He wanted to contribute and over time he’d taken on more responsibility almost by accident. His time at the academy and his brief stint commanding the Ronin had put him in a place where he felt more comfortable than he would have expected.
Niac: Couldn’t keep doing it. I do have one regret, though.
Kel: ::nodding:: Your advice was correct. “Take care of the ship and the ship will take care of you”. It took me a bit to realize the ship was more than the beams and wiring. ::pausing:: But tell me, what does the great Fleet Captain Karrod Niac regret?
V’Len was partially kidding. He half expected Karrod to make a joke about V’Len needing to sit in a dunk tank or clean out the replicator waste container.
Karrod chuckled and slapped the man on the shoulder.
Niac: I pin this thing on your collar and some day soon Starfleet will realize you’ve outgrown the Ronin…but my loss will be the fleet’s enormous gain.
V’Len was startled and it took him a minute to realize exactly what Karrod was getting at. While he might have the rank of commander, it was a far cry from being in command of a starship.
Kel: ::shaking his head:: I can’t imagine leaving sir. Even with the pip, my experience in command is razor thin.
He chuckled quietly and shook his head.
Niac: ‘Ours is not to question why,’ Mr. Kel. When I went back on active duty a few years ago I never imagined myself in the Chair…never imagined myself as the Arrow’s XO either…but one thing lead to another…and another…and another…and before I realized it I was wearing this…::he gestured towards his Fleet Captain’s pips::...and I’d had the good fortune of seeing several good officers go on to be great. I have no doubt your time will come…and I’d guess it will be sooner than you expect.
Kel: Raga is still here. Commander Alora DeVeau is CSO on the Thor, Commander Peri ::pointing to his Cardassian friend:: Is CSO on the Butler. I don’t think Starfleet will make me leave the Ronin next week or next year.
Chuckling once again, Karrod clasped the man on the shoulder and offered what encouragement he could.
Niac: The only thing I’m certain about in this universe of ours is that there’s no predicting Starfleet Command. But…a week, a month, a year…whenever the time comes, I know you’ll be up to the task. So does everyone else in this room.
Kel: ::holding up a hand:: I appreciate the compliment Captain. I’m glad you have such a high opinion of me. Even if my own is lagging somewhat.
Niac: Well then Mr. Kel this next bit may be tough for you to hear, because I plan on complimenting you a whole bunch more before this little shindig is over. So find yourself a fresh drink and a comfortable position near the front where you can try to smile in front of all these people…because they’re going to be smiling for you, Commander.
Kel: I think I better make it a big drink.
Karrod laughed a final time as he finished his drink in one hefty gulp,, straightened his dress uniform jacket and stepped towards the small lectern bearing the Starfleet crest.
V’Len hurried to collect a shot of Skagaran Lone Star Tequila. It seemed like he would need it. He also tried to practice a smile by flashing Vomek a broad grin. Vomek immediately looked skeptical and V’Len stopped. Passing Rox he tried a slight variation, this time showing no teeth.
Rox: What’s wrong? Are you having some kind of bowl issue?
V’Len once more stopped smiling. He was going to look like an idiot. He was passing Dohna T’Alia who seemed to be well into her drink. He threw her a friendly smile. She suddenly looked concerned and pointed him out to a crewman next to her. Both seemed concerned.
((A few minutes later))
It hadn’t taken long for the merry crowd to make their way towards the presentation area and as Karrod looked out at the glowing faces of V’Len’s closest friends grown quiet, he knew the moment had arrived.
For an officer he respected.
For a friend he’d confided in.
For a good man willing to take on the hard work.
So he spoke with a smile in his voice as he addressed the crowd.
Niac: Thank you all for joining us here today. I know some of you have traveled a great distance to celebrate the man of the hour and that I am now all that foolishly stands between you and a very well appointed open bar so I promise to be as miserly in my praise as possible for an officer who I consider to be so exceptional.
He waited for the polite laughter to fade as he looked to V’Len and, in turn, gestured to the crowd.
V’Len could feel his antennae moving in all directions and wondered if he would be able to make it to the podium without falling over. His body temperature was also rising which meant if he did manage to make it to the stage, he would likely look like he’d fallen in a puddle on the way.
Niac: We often say that a starship alone is nothing…it is metal and composite, decking and struts and circuits…without the crew. Without the beings who make them fly, who allow them to make the impossible a suggestion. That allows them to bring hope to the hopeless and light to the dark. In my experience this is just as true for an officer…for what is an individual if not the collection of their experiences, their learnings, and the people who have inspired them to reach heights they never would’ve imagined otherwise. Looking around this room today I have a greater understanding of just what a fine tapestry of experience…of insights…of perspectives…went into building a man I’ve come to respect so thoroughly. One whom I trust comprehensively. One whom I have no doubt has greatness in their future…because of the greatness that already existed in their past. So, to all of you, I offer my sincere thanks for your part in bringing us to this moment.
He paused to take a small drink, allowing the anticipatory silence of the moment to stretch out before he moved along.
V’Len felt he could not sink deeply enough into his seat. He’d never really hoped for violence, but at this point a surprise attack by the Zet would be easier to deal with.
Niac: You delivered to the Ronin…and her inexperienced, harried commanding officer…a man with judgement long beyond his years. A man who from his earliest days onboard, when the ship was falling apart around us and the crew was a collection of strangers from across the fleet, led with a quiet confidence. With compassion and insight. With heart and determination to do the right thing, even when it pained him personally. Even when he made the right decisions…but suffered the moral consequences that only a good man would. I knew then what we affirm today…that V’Len Kel is a leader…not by rank or role, not by position or edict…but due to his outstanding character. People naturally gravitate to his orbit, listen when he speaks, trust his advice even when he quietly doubts…and in all the time he has served on the Ronin he has never once steered a person, Ensign or Captain or any in between, wrong. For that, I thank you Mr. Kel…and I ask you to step forward.
For a moment, V’Len felt as if he could not move, the signal from his brian refusing to move to his muscles. He took a deep breath and forced himself to stand up. He was pleasantly relieved to find that he was not dizzy and, smiling as best he could, he covered the distance from his seat to the podium. The accumulated crowd of friends and crewmen gave him looks and nodds of approval. Off to the side he saw Kumel who was holding up a holovid camera. His trip had been no coincidence. The Nirs family had sent him to document the moment, even if they all could not attend in person. They were likely watching even now. He paused before the dias to await Karrod.
He retrieved a small wooden box off the podium and waited a few moments for V’Len to find his place before he turned to address the crowd with a padd in hand.
Niac: I have here an official communique from the office of Starfleet Personnel…it’s a bit dry for my taste even if it does sprinkle in the words ‘exemplary service’ and ‘exceptional conduct’ a few times, so please forgive me if I don’t read it to you verbatim. To V’Len I’ll say this…skill and experience alone make a good officer. The company they keep, the people they come to trust and rely on in moments of crisis…that’s what makes for a truly great officer. So with that in mind and in witness of this assembled company, it is my great honor to promote you to the rank of Commander, with all the rights and responsibilities thereof.
V’Len stepped forward.
He pulled the hollow pip from the man's collar, pocketed it, and replaced it with the shining solid one. The row of three gleamed in the lights as he offered the man a warm handshake before stepping back.
Niac: Congratulations, Commander Kel!
V’Len reached out to grasp Karrod's hand and gave it a firm and sincere handshake. Turning he was unsure how his face looked, but he had no ability to control the smile that was on it. Here, surrounded by glowing plants and the smell of fresh air, V’Len Kel, the accidental Trilldorian, had become a Commander. From his early confusion as a cadet, his missteps as an ensign, his insubordination, his time as Chief Medical Officer on 3 vessels and most recently his time in the big chair, it had been a strange journey. He had been promoted before of course. He was by no means the only commander in the fleet. Still, this felt different, as if a new world of possibilities had opened up for him and V’Len was suddenly eager to see what might come next.
[End!]
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Commander V'Len Kel
Chief Science Officer/Second Officer
USS Ronin NCC-34523
T239811VK2
He/Him (player/character)
&
Fleet Captain Karrod Niac
Commanding Officer
USS Ronin - NCC-34523
V239509GT0